Electric Aircraft
Costa Rica Deploys 50 eVTOLs for Sustainable Tourism Transport
Eve Air Mobility, Aerosolutions, and Bluenest partner to modernize Costa Rica’s transport with electric aircraft, enhancing tourism and reducing emissions.
Transforming Sustainable Travel: Eve Air Mobility, Aerosolutions, and Bluenest’s eVTOL Initiative in Costa Rica
In a bold move to reshape regional mobility and reinforce its commitment to sustainable tourism, Costa Rica is positioning itself at the forefront of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). On June 30, 2025, Eve Air Mobility signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Aerosolutions and Bluenest by Globalvia to deploy up to 50 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and implement comprehensive TechCare services. This collaboration aims to establish an integrated AAM ecosystem in Costa Rica’s Pacific Northwest, particularly targeting high-demand tourist regions like Guanacaste.
With over 2.6 million annual visitors arriving by air in 2024, Costa Rica faces a pressing need to modernize its transportation infrastructure. The introduction of eVTOLs offers a transformative solution, providing low-emission, time-saving alternatives to traditional ground travel. This partnership not only addresses logistical inefficiencies but also reinforces Costa Rica’s leadership in ecotourism and sustainable innovation.
Building the Future of Regional Air Mobility
Strategic Collaboration and Deployment
The LOI outlines a comprehensive partnership between Eve Air Mobility, Aerosolutions, and Bluenest by Globalvia. Eve, a subsidiary of Embraer, brings its aerospace expertise and a backlog of 2,900 eVTOLs to the table. Aerosolutions, launching a new operator called Aeros Electric Airlines, will oversee flight operations, while Bluenest will develop the necessary vertiport infrastructure. Together, they aim to create a seamless, intermodal transport system that integrates air and ground travel.
The initial deployment will focus on routes between Liberia Airport and premium resorts in Guanacaste, covering distances of 20 to 50 kilometers. These routes, currently plagued by road congestion and long travel times, will be reduced to under 15 minutes via eVTOL. The aircraft themselves boast a 100 km range and cruise speeds of 160 km/h, making them ideal for short-haul regional transport.
Beyond aircraft delivery, the agreement includes access to Eve’s TechCare services, a comprehensive suite offering maintenance, battery management, pilot training, and digital operations. This ensures high aircraft availability, minimal downtime, and a streamlined user experience for both operators and passengers.
“We’re accelerating safe, sustainable mobility while bolstering Costa Rica’s ecotourism leadership.”, Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility
Infrastructure and Operational Planning
Bluenest, the AAM business line of Globalvia, will spearhead vertiport development. As the operator of Costa Rica’s key highway (Ruta 27), Globalvia’s experience enhances the potential for effective intermodal connections. Vertiports will be strategically located at airports and resorts, designed with minimal land use and equipped with solar-powered charging stations to align with environmental goals.
Workshops under the LOI will address critical areas such as airspace integration, pilot certification, and vertiport design. These collaborative efforts aim to align with Costa Rica’s Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) and international standards from regulatory bodies like EASA and ANAC. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring safe, compliant, and scalable operations.
Phase 1 of the rollout (2025–2026) will focus on infrastructure and training, while Phase 2 (2027) aims to scale operations to 20 aircraft across 15 routes. By 2028, full deployment is expected, with potential expansion to San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport, which handles over 1.77 million passengers annually.
Tourism, Sustainability, and Economic Impact
Costa Rica’s Tourism Economy and Challenges
Tourism is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s economy, generating over $5 billion in 2024 and contributing 8.2% to GDP. However, the influx of over 880,000 tourists annually to regions like Guanacaste strains the existing road infrastructure. Travel times are often inflated by 40% during peak seasons, affecting visitor satisfaction and repeat tourism rates.
Traditional infrastructure expansion is limited by environmental concerns. eVTOLs present a compelling alternative, covering 92% of tourist routes in the Pacific Northwest with zero-emission operations. This aligns with Costa Rica’s 2050 Carbon Neutrality Pledge and enhances its reputation as a leader in eco-conscious travel.
North American tourists, who make up 73% of arrivals, spend an average of $1,850 per trip. However, 23% cite transportation inefficiencies as a deterrent. By slashing travel times from two hours to 15 minutes, the eVTOL service could increase tourist spending by 15–20%, offering both economic and experiential benefits.
“Reducing congestion in Guanacaste reinforces our reputation for eco-innovation.”, Antonio Mota, CEO of Aerosolutions
TechCare: The Operational Backbone
TechCare, Eve’s integrated support platform, plays a pivotal role in the success of this initiative. It includes four key pillars: maintenance and repair, battery and energy management, training and certification, and digital operations. Each component is designed to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability in day-to-day operations.
Maintenance services leverage Embraer’s global network for predictive diagnostics, reducing unscheduled downtime to under 2%. Battery management, in partnership with BAE Systems, includes logistics optimization and recycling, ensuring 99% flight readiness. Training is conducted through Embraer-CAE using VR simulations, while digital operations manage air traffic and fleet routing through Vector software.
For Aerosolutions, TechCare translates into 30% lower operating costs compared to traditional aviation. The workshops included in the LOI will equip local teams with the skills and knowledge required to manage these advanced systems effectively, ensuring long-term sustainability and operational excellence.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Sustainable Mobility
The collaboration between Eve Air Mobility, Aerosolutions, and Bluenest signifies more than a technological upgrade, it represents a paradigm shift in how regions like Costa Rica can address transportation inefficiencies while advancing sustainability goals. With the potential to reduce road congestion by 15–20% and enhance tourist experiences, this initiative sets a new standard for eco-friendly innovation in travel.
As the global AAM market continues to grow, Costa Rica’s model offers a replicable blueprint for other tourism-dependent economies. By combining cutting-edge technology with strategic infrastructure and service integration, the partnership not only meets current mobility challenges but also lays the foundation for a more connected, sustainable future.
FAQ
What is an eVTOL?
An eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft is a type of air vehicle designed for urban air mobility. It uses electric propulsion to take off, hover, and land vertically, making it ideal for short-distance travel in congested areas.
Why was Costa Rica chosen for this initiative?
Costa Rica’s high tourism volume, commitment to sustainability, and traffic congestion issues make it an ideal testing ground for eVTOL services. The country’s infrastructure and regulatory environment also support innovative transportation solutions.
When will the service be operational?
The first phase of operations is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with full deployment anticipated by 2028, pending regulatory approvals and infrastructure development.
Sources
Photo Credit: Eve Air Mobility
Electric Aircraft
Unither Bioélectronique Completes First Hydrogen-Electric Helicopter Flight
Unither Bioélectronique achieved the first piloted hydrogen-electric helicopter circuit flight in Québec using a modified Robinson R44 under Project Proticity.
This article is based on an official statement from Robinson Helicopter Company.
Unither Bioélectronique has successfully completed the world’s first piloted hydrogen-electric Helicopters circuit flight in Québec, marking a significant milestone in zero-emission aviation. The historic flight was achieved using a modified Robinson R44 helicopter as part of the ongoing Project Proticity initiative.
According to an official company press release, the milestone serves as a critical proof of concept for the future of clean vertical lift. The company emphasized the dual benefits of the new propulsion system combined with established airframes.
“This successful demonstration highlights the potential of hydrogen-electric Propulsion to deliver zero-emission flight while building on the proven reliability and cost efficiency that Robinson helicopters have come to define,” the company stated in its release.
The achievement represents a major step forward from initial hover tests, moving the technology closer to real-world applications. Industry reports indicate that the ultimate goal of this technology is to create a scalable, zero-emission transportation network for critical medical deliveries.
Project Proticity and the Historic Flight
Flight Details
The milestone circuit flight took place on April 10, 2026, at Roland-Désourdy Airport in Bromont, Québec, with Unither Bioélectronique test pilot Ric Webb at the controls. According to industry reporting by Vertical Magazine and Skies Mag, the flight advanced the company’s testing from a basic hover demonstration, first achieved in March 2025, to a full airport traffic circuit. This comprehensive flight profile included a controlled takeoff, climb, pattern flight, approach, and landing, all conducted under an experimental flight permit.
The Technology
The modified Robinson R44 test aircraft was equipped with a Hydrogen-electric proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel-cell and battery architecture. The system was powered by locally produced green hydrogen, replacing the traditional piston engine. In its press release, Unither Bioélectronique highlighted that the demonstration showcases the potential of hydrogen-electric propulsion to deliver zero-emission flight without sacrificing operational reliability.
Future Implications for Zero-Emission Aviation
Scaling to the R66
Project Proticity, a collaboration between Unither Bioélectronique and Robinson Helicopter Company announced in August 2024, is not stopping at the R44 airframe. According to reporting by Aviation International News, the partners intend to scale the hydrogen-electric architecture to the larger Robinson R66 platform. Future phases of development are expected to integrate a liquid hydrogen storage system. This upgrade could significantly extend the aircraft’s range compared to the current gaseous hydrogen setup, with industry estimates from Vertical Magazine suggesting a potential range of around 100 nautical miles.
Organ Delivery Mission
Unither Bioélectronique operates as a subsidiary of United Therapeutics. Public remarks and company statements from previous milestones reveal that the intended end-use for these zero-emission helicopters is the rapid transport of manufactured organs to transplant patients. By utilizing hydrogen propulsion, the company hopes to establish a clean, efficient logistics network for life-saving medical supplies across North-America.
AirPro News analysis
The transition from a three-minute hover test in early 2025 to a full circuit flight in April 2026 demonstrates a rapid maturation of Unither Bioélectronique’s PEM fuel-cell technology. However, scaling this architecture to the Robinson R66 and transitioning to liquid hydrogen will introduce new thermal management and storage complexities. Furthermore, achieving Certification from Transport Canada Civil Aviation and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remains a critical hurdle before these aircraft can enter commercial service for organ delivery. We will continue to monitor the regulatory progress of Project Proticity as it moves toward commercialization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Proticity?
Project Proticity is a collaborative development program between Unither Bioélectronique and Robinson Helicopter Company aimed at creating zero-emission, hydrogen-electric helicopters based on the Robinson R44 and R66 models.
When did the first circuit flight take place?
The world’s first piloted hydrogen-electric helicopter circuit flight was conducted on April 10, 2026, at Roland-Désourdy Airport in Bromont, Québec.
What is the ultimate goal of these hydrogen helicopters?
Unither Bioélectronique plans to use these zero-emission helicopters to transport manufactured organs for transplant patients across a scalable transportation network.
Sources: Robinson Helicopter Company
Photo Credit: Robinson Helicopter Company
Electric Aircraft
Vaeridion selects Garmin avionics for electric Microliner test flights
Vaeridion integrates Garmin G600 TXi displays in its electric Microliner test aircraft, targeting commercial service by 2030 with new battery facility at Oberpfaffenhofen.
This article is based on an official press release from Vaeridion.
Electric aircraft manufacturer Vaeridion has announced the selection of Garmin avionics to equip the initial test articles of its fully electric Microliner. According to a company press release, the manufacturer will integrate Garmin’s G600 TXi flight displays into the test aircraft, marking a critical milestone as the company prepares for its inaugural flight.
The integration of established avionics is a key step in advancing the development of the Microliner. Vaeridion has stated that the aircraft is currently targeted to enter commercial service in 2030, aiming to bring zero-emission commercial flights to the regional aviation market.
Advancing the Microliner Test Campaign
Avionics Selection and Integration
In its official announcement, Vaeridion highlighted that the Garmin G600 TXi flight display was chosen for its flexible integration and proven performance. The system features a modern touchscreen interface designed to enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency for test pilots.
Company officials noted that Garmin’s safety systems set a benchmark in the sector, making the G600 TXi an ideal foundation not only for the upcoming flight-test campaign but also for future cockpit developments.
“Equipping the Microliner with a best-in-class avionics suite from Garmin was a natural choice for us,”
stated Markus Kochs-Kämper, Chief Technology Officer at Vaeridion, in the press release. He added that the system provides the reliability and flexibility required for a rigorous flight-test program.
Garmin also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. In the release, Carl Wolf, Garmin’s Vice President of Aviation Sales, Marketing, Programs & Support, noted the benefits of the integration:
“The advanced flight display capabilities coupled with a touchscreen interface provide a modern solution and safety-enhancing technologies to the aircraft,”
Wolf stated.
Scaling Up for First Flight
Recent Infrastructure Milestones
Beyond the avionics selection, Vaeridion is actively scaling its physical infrastructure to support the Microliner’s development timeline. According to the company’s statement, the manufacturer recently inaugurated a new battery manufacturing facility and test house.
Located at the Oberpfaffenhofen special airport, this new facility is intended to strengthen Vaeridion’s vertical integration. The company emphasized that expanding its in-house capabilities allows for greater control over critical technologies as it pushes toward its first-flight and subsequent certification phases.
AirPro News analysis
We view Vaeridion’s decision to partner with an established avionics provider like Garmin as a strategic move to mitigate risk during the flight-test phase. By utilizing off-the-shelf, certified components such as the G600 TXi, electric aircraft startups can focus their engineering resources on their core proprietary technologies, namely, the electric propulsion and battery systems.
The 2030 target for commercial service remains ambitious but aligns with the broader industry timeline for next-generation regional aircraft. The recent opening of the battery facility at Oberpfaffenhofen further indicates that Vaeridion is transitioning from conceptual design to physical hardware testing, a critical phase where supply chain and integration partnerships become paramount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What avionics system will the Vaeridion Microliner use?
According to the company’s press release, the initial test aircraft will be equipped with Garmin G600 TXi flight displays.
When is the Vaeridion Microliner expected to enter service?
Vaeridion has stated that the fully electric Microliner is slated to enter commercial service in 2030.
Where is Vaeridion’s new battery facility located?
The company recently opened a battery manufacturing facility and test house at the Oberpfaffenhofen special airport.
Sources
Photo Credit: Vaeridion
Electric Aircraft
Smartflyer and H55 Advance SFX1 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Development
Smartflyer receives certified Adagio battery modules from H55, advancing the SFX1 hybrid-electric aircraft toward 2026 testing and flight phases.
This article is based on an official press release from H55 and Smartflyer.
Swiss electric aviation companies Smartflyer and H55 have announced a significant milestone in the development of the SFX1 hybrid-electric aircraft. According to a joint press release, Smartflyer has officially received the first batch of Adagio battery modules from H55, marking a critical step forward for the SFX1 Proof of Concept Demonstrator program.
The delivery enables Smartflyer to transition from component-level validation to full system integration and testing. For H55, the handover represents the continued integration of its certification-ready battery systems into active aircraft development programs, reinforcing its position in the electric propulsion market.
The SFX1 program is now entering an advanced stage of development. With the battery modules in hand, integration activities are intensifying across multiple workstreams, keeping the aircraft on track for its upcoming testing phases.
The SFX1 Program Advances
System Integration and Testing
The newly delivered Adagio battery modules will be integrated into the SFX1 aircraft as part of the next phase of development. According to the press release, this phase includes comprehensive system-level validation covering the propulsion architecture, energy management, and other critical aircraft systems.
Ground testing of the SFX1 is planned for the summer of 2026, with the first flight targeted for autumn of the same year.
“Receiving the first Adagio battery modules from H55 is a major milestone for Smartflyer and a key enabler for the next phase of our development program,” said Rolf Stuber, CEO of Smartflyer, in the company’s press release. “It also highlights the strength of our collaboration with a partner whose technology is not only innovative but ready for real-world application.”
About the Smartflyer SFX1
Industry estimates and company specifications indicate that the Smartflyer SFX1 is a four-seat hybrid-electric aircraft designed for sustainable pilot training and touring. The aircraft features a unique design with a tail-mounted propeller, which allows for laminar airflow and increases efficiency by up to 30 percent compared to conventional configurations. The hybrid system aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50 percent and noise by 60 percent, while offering a range of up to 750 kilometers (400 nautical miles).
H55’s Adagio Battery System
Certification and Commercial Deployment
The delivery of the Adagio modules reflects the maturity of H55’s product portfolio. The press release notes that the Adagio battery system has successfully completed all regulator-required certification tests, demonstrating its safety, reliability, and suitability for integration across various electric and hybrid-electric aircraft applications.
“This delivery marks an important step in bringing H55’s certified battery and propulsion solutions into operational aircraft programs,” said Rob Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of H55. “Our collaboration with Smartflyer illustrates how our technology, spanning both electric and hybrid-electric configurations, is moving from development into commercial application.”
AirPro News analysis
We note that the partnership between Smartflyer and H55 highlights the growing momentum in the Swiss electric aviation sector. H55, founded in 2017 by the technological legacy team behind the Solar Impulse program, has been steadily expanding its footprint. The company’s certification-grade energy storage systems are not only powering the SFX1 but are also slated for use in other notable projects, including the Bristell B23 Energic and a Pratt & Whitney Canada regional hybrid-electric flight demonstrator.
By securing regulatory approval for its battery modules, H55 is addressing one of the most significant bottlenecks in electric aviation, certification. For Smartflyer, leveraging a pre-certified battery system significantly reduces development risk and accelerates the path to market for the SFX1. If the summer 2026 ground tests and autumn 2026 first flight proceed as planned, we expect the SFX1 could become a strong contender in the emerging market for sustainable flight training and regional touring aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Smartflyer SFX1?
The Smartflyer SFX1 is a hybrid-electric aircraft currently in development in Switzerland. It is designed to be a four-seat aircraft suitable for sustainable pilot training and touring, featuring a distinctive tail-mounted propeller.
Who is providing the batteries for the SFX1?
H55, a Swiss-based company specializing in certified electric propulsion and energy storage systems, is providing its Adagio battery modules for the SFX1.
When will the Smartflyer SFX1 fly?
According to the official press release, ground testing is scheduled for the summer of 2026, with the first flight targeted for the autumn of 2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: H55
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